Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Barrier Up For Vote

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — For John Brooks, the years of waiting for officials to come up with money for a suicide barrier on San Francisco’s majestic Golden Gate Bridge have been agonizing. He has fought for one ever since his 17-year-old daughter, Casey, jumped from the rust-colored span in 2008.

Brooks may get his wish on Friday as the bridge’s board is set to vote on a $76 million funding package for a net. If approved, it would be a major step in a decades-long debate pitting the families of suicide victims and other supporters of a suicide barrier versus those who believe it will not prevent people from finding other ways to take their lives on the span.

“It’s a very critical vote. Our fingers are crossed to get this net built — finally,” said Paul Muller, a founding member of the nonprofit Bridge Rail Foundation, whose goal is…